you buy something from Sephora and get "premiér rides" (first wrinkles cream) samples.

Sigh.

Today is my birthday. The big 3-0.

Sure have changed in a decade.

When I turned 20, I was at military school and certainly didn't think that in 10 years I would be living in France and worse! married to a Frenchman.

When I turned 10, I was in elementary school in South America and certainly didn't think that in 10 years I would be going to a military school.

When I turned 0, I was in Virginia, and certainly didn't think anything other than "Wah!"

For kicks, here is one of my early pictures, living in Germany

Got home from work Thursday night and who was there?

Not ONE but TWO parental units who had flown over from the US for a surprise. They had planned it all with Alain and he picked them up from the airport on Thursday. They will be here for about two weeks.

Tomorrow, Saturday, most of Alain's family is coming over, to see our apartment and for a mini-party for me. Mom and Dad's visit will be a surprise.